Per the Gerontechnologist blog this month, this popular column writer indicates in most countries, older adults prefer to age in place. This basically means people can continue living in your home of choice for as long as possible. As one ages, this becomes increasingly challenging, for various reasons. Technology can help the older adults overcome these challenges.
Bob Larson
She also mentions per AARP, Americans over 50 spent $7.6 trillion on goods and services in 2018, this is projected to grow to $27.5 trillion by 2050. By 2030, they’re expected to spend over $200B annually just on tech products. This shows us that contrary to common belief, older adults are willing to use new tech-based products and services, as long as they find them useful.
A recent AARP study found that older adults are adopting technology more than ever before. Internet, smartphones, tablet, wearables, and even smart TVs and wireless speakers, are being used by an increasingly growing number of older adults. It has also been reported that older adults are the fastest growing category of e-commerce shoppers. They buy groceries and just about everything else online.
The Covid-19 pandemic, in which older adults were encouraged to shelter in place, caused an increase in new technologies, as well as in the demand for telehealth. Many older adults still lack Internet connectivity or the skills to use technology in a way that enables them to use devices and digital services. A recent report by Aging Connected found that 22 million Americans are still not online.
The major increase in technology adoption by older adults, as well as by elder-care providers, all contribute to a growing demand for technology to serve the needs and aspirations of older adults. Again, technology comes to the rescue for older Americans. Bob Larson s a technologist and Marketing Director for 50 Plus.